GRACE NOTES IX
As opposed to last Sunday, today is all about relaxation [think : bath salts and muscle soaks]. I'm still on a mental high after last week's 10k, which was a resounding success; I managed to make it round the course without pausing or walking once [a first for me!], beat my PB, and cross the finishing line hand-in-hand with my two best friends. I've already signed up for my next challenge, a 5k night-time run in Manchester. It's official, the running bug is quite infectious.
Back to today's agenda : it's the height of the British summer so I'll be spending the day soaking up the sun [with ample SPF protection and cocktails to hand] followed by a full-on Sunday spa session. My bath bomb stash is calling my name, so do not disturb between 8-10, please.
appleyard flowers
Whether indulging yourself, filling the flat with fresh blooms before a party, or treating a friend, there is no doubt that the scent and sight of a vase of flowers has the effect of instilling a luxe and tranquil ambience upon any room. Fresh picked flowers are hard to beat, but the next best thing is a hand-delivered and ready-to-bloom bouquet. Appleyard Flowers offers cutting edge floral design - producing handmade bouquets using high-quality, British sourced seasonal flowers, and prides itself upon offering a commendable attention to detail and a luxury experience. I was recently sent the beautiful Pomegranate Rose & Peony bouquet*, a delightful and opulently scented combination of roses, peonies, lavender, and alstroemeria. Given that the flowers arrived on the peak of blooming, they are set to more than outstay their welcome [Appleyard promises a lifespan of min. 7 days] and are a welcome sight [and scent] on my dressing table.
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE : BLOG33 - For 33% off Appleyard Flowers' luxury bouquets.
listen
JUNE PLAYLIST
I first fell in love with Grace Coddington's inspiring fashion spreads way back when I used to save up my [hard-earned] pocket money to purchase the international issues of Vogue as a teen. Visually inspiring, original and alive with imagination, Coddington's always anecdotal spreads are instantly recognisable at first glance, and never fail to ooze character, narrative, and a sense of the fairytale. Via the pages of Wikipedia I learnt that the now Creative Director of American Vogue grew up on the island of Anglesey, a Welsh landmark not far from my own home, which I visited often growing up. This book was an instant purchase [I was in New York when it launched, so lugged it home with me - I actually ended up reading the entire thing on the plane!] and a fascinating read; something of a fairytale in itself.
FURTHER READING : Interview speaks to Grace.
this week on tgg
from the archives
asos wishlist
eat : wahaca
Okay bit of a theme going on here with my foodie recommendations, but I will readily confess to a long-standing addiction to Mexican food; there's something about those fresh, vibrant flavours that never fails to tempt me when the opportunity is available. A recent trip to London [and a certain 10k run that left me feeling famished] resulted in a slightly painful tube journey [there's nothing like 'standing room only' to remind you just how much every single muscle in your body aches] over to Islington, where I [alongside my two burrito-loving besties] gorged ourselves on supersize chicken burritos. Wahaca is a London favourite, soon to be opening its doors in Manchester so I was intrigued as to how the brand would compare to its [already well established] Northern counterparts. Suffice to say it was a good burrito; satisfyingly filling, and reasonably priced [at £6] but it definitely lacked the flavour of its Mancunion alternatives and was a little too rice heavy for me. I was really impressed by Wahaca's menu selection though, so will definitely be sampling the street food/small plates come autumn.
How do you think Wahaca compares?
FURTHER READING : The world of restaurateur Thomasina Miers [Masterchef winner and founder of Wahaca].
reading list
- Fashionista investigates why more brands don't carry petite sizes.
- Train yourself to sleep on your back, c/o Byrdie.
- Into The Gloss argues the case for wearing red lipstick on a first date.
- Take a peek inside Lily Allen's wardrobe.
- Jen shares some inspirational words - 'Don't Let Your Circumstances Keep You Small'.
- Crowdfunding gets the beauty treatment - a phone charging compact mirror sounds right up my street.
- An amusing commentary on the implications of Gmail's new 'undo send' feature.
- Bridie shares her 10 under £10 beauty staples.
- An insightful political commentary on self-employment.
- Green is the new black - the unstoppable rise of the healthy eating guru - food for thought indeed.
- Andy Burnham calls for Parliament to move to Manchester during the House of Commons' refurbishment.
